“Sergei Paradjanov: A Legacy of Sensitivity”
Sergei Paradjanov, a sensitive filmmaker, faced imprisonment for his homosexuality and art trafficking. While in prison, he crafted the story for “Lebedinoye Ozero: Zona (1990)”, later brought to life by Yuri Ilyenko. The film, a departure from Paradjanov’s optimistic essence, featured excessive violence, void of hope. This stark portrayal reflects man’s desensitization to suffering, yet leaves enthusiasts yearning for Paradjanov’s trademark hopefulness. The film’s Adult and Crime genres, compounded with its somber tone, earn it an NR rating.
Sergei Paradjanov was a filmmaker of incredible sensitivity and had a joy for life. This could not be taken from him even after he was imprisoned by the Soviet government for homosexuality and trafficking in art objects. During his imprisonment, he wrote the story on which this movie is based and which, after his death, was made by Yuri Ilyenko. Unfortunately, the joy was taken from it and the feeling of hope, leaving only the despair and suffering.
The film is rife with excessive violence which is right on target if the entire purpose of the story was to show man’s gradual insensitivity to pain and suffering. It still leaves out the sense of hope from the original story, however, which will leave Paradjanov fans feeling cheated.
MPAA Rating NR
Genres – Drama, Adult, Crime
